How do you save money and be fashionable at the same time!?

I have a thing for shoes... and expensive designer dresses. Any thoughts on being fashionable on a budget? I already shop sales whenever possible. I'm wondering if there are any creative ideas out there for keeping up with trends.

Public Comments

1. follow fashion magazines and find similar items on clearance or try and bargain with the store manager for a discount if there is a slight imperfection (that you can easily fix at home). alot of useful tips for bargain shopping are found in Lucky mag.
2. there are trends and then there's style. You want to choose classic cuts and pieces that wont ever to out of style. Dark denim, nice shirts. Then load up on accessories, you can change an outfit with just a cardigan and some neat accessories- even belts and scarves (thats my fettish). Pick up unique hats and jewelry and purses at a thrift store- nobody else will have them and you can never have to many. Mix and match and you'll always
3. when i lived in london, i always went to the charity shops (thrift stores here) & u would be surprised at the things u find, i found many a top-name designer piece that looked practically brand-new, and for a steal!!! i know it`s a bit different in the u.s., but it`s possible to find some nice things, if u are willing to spend the time...try consignment shops too...check ebay, i have gotten some great bargains there as well...hope this helps, good luck!!!
4. i dont know if goodwill carries fashionable shoes but you might want to check them out. also depending on your location you can check out outlet malls.
5. Don't get many in season items shop for one or two. Buy stuff that you will be able to use year round or with other instyle fashion.
6. Shop ONLY when there's a sale. Works for me all the time.
7. Don't buy pieces that are too trendy because they will be out of style before you get your credit card paid off. Stick to basic, yet fashionable pieces. Shop often, but don't always buy. That way you can see what's out there and watch prices. Shop sales. Shop outlets. Be wary of clearance racks though--you can find great stuff, but you can find last season's trends there too. Shop in stores like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross, etc. Try ebay and overstock.com too. If you still want to be really trendy, then spend your money on good basic pieces, and buy trendy accessories (shoes, jewelry, bags, etc) that aren't too expensive.